One Young World has officially launched applications for its prestigious Leading Scholarship 2026, offering outstanding young leaders from around the world the opportunity to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.

As the organization’s flagship scholarship programme, the Leading Scholarship is designed to ensure that exceptional young changemakers from every country can participate in one of the world’s largest gatherings of young leaders. The scholarship supports individuals who are developing innovative solutions to global challenges and creating meaningful impact within their communities.

Applications opened on 11 June 2026 and will remain open until 31 October 2026.

Supporting the Next Generation of Global Leaders

The One Young World Summit brings together talented young leaders from across the globe to discuss pressing social, economic, environmental, and political challenges while collaborating on solutions that can drive sustainable development.

The 2026 Summit will take place in Cape Town from 3–6 November 2026 and is expected to welcome delegates representing nearly every country in the world.

Through the Leading Scholarship, One Young World seeks to remove financial barriers that often prevent talented young leaders from participating in international leadership forums and decision-making spaces.

The programme specifically aims to support applicants from countries that have historically been underrepresented at global conferences and leadership platforms.

What the Leading Scholarship Covers

Successful applicants will receive comprehensive support to attend the summit.

Scholarship benefits include:

Full delegate access to the One Young World Summit 2026.
Hotel accommodation from 2–6 November 2026.
Daily catering, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Round-trip travel costs to and from Cape Town.
Access to all summit sessions, networking activities, and leadership events.

The scholarship package ensures that selected participants can focus fully on engaging with the summit experience and maximizing learning opportunities.

Benefits Beyond the Summit

The Leading Scholarship offers more than just attendance at a global event. Scholars become part of a growing international community of changemakers and gain access to long-term opportunities for collaboration and professional development.

Selected scholars will have the opportunity to:

Connect with a global network of more than 20,000 young leaders.
Build relationships with participants from 196 countries and territories.
Access exclusive ambassador opportunities after the summit.
Participate in regional networking events and mentoring programmes.
Increase the visibility of their work and initiatives.
Engage directly with internationally recognized experts, policymakers, and leaders.
Represent their country during the summit’s opening ceremony.

These opportunities can help scholars expand their impact, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate their leadership journeys.

Eligibility Criteria

The Leading Scholarship is open to young leaders who demonstrate a strong commitment to creating positive change in their communities and beyond.

Applicants must:

Be between 18 and 35 years old.
Demonstrate a proven commitment to positive social impact.
Be actively addressing important local or global challenges through their work.
Show evidence of innovative thinking and impactful leadership.
Have a track record of creating meaningful change.

Individuals who will be under the age of 18 at the time of the summit are not eligible to apply.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning candidates may be selected and notified throughout the application period.

Key selection considerations include:

Demonstrated leadership potential.
Evidence of measurable impact.
Innovative approaches to addressing challenges.
Commitment to positive social, economic, or environmental change.

Priority will be given to:

Applicants from countries that have been less represented at previous One Young World Summits.
First-time summit attendees.
Individuals who are not already members of the One Young World Ambassador community.

Successful candidates will receive notification via email between June and October 2026.

Visa and Travel Information

While the scholarship covers travel and accommodation expenses, selected participants who require a visa to enter South Africa will be responsible for covering their own visa-related costs.

These expenses may include:

Visa application fees.
Travel to visa application centres.
Additional documentation or processing costs associated with visa applications.

Applicants are encouraged to review visa requirements early to ensure adequate preparation if selected.

Why Young Leaders Should Apply

The Leading Scholarship remains one of the most competitive and prestigious opportunities available to emerging leaders worldwide. It provides a platform for young people to amplify their voices, showcase their initiatives, and collaborate with peers tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

For aspiring changemakers working to advance sustainable development, social innovation, climate action, education, entrepreneurship, human rights, or community development, the scholarship offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain global exposure and build lifelong connections.

Applications for the One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026 will close on 31 October 2026.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.